Zahir are the actions of an individual as visible in the outer world whereas Batin is the intention of the heart. Both work in a cyclic form complementing each other in purifying the soul. Most often we count upon good intentions and try putting a different meaning to an otherwise damaging action. “He didn’t mean it or she didn’t mean it.” We hear this. But I believe we cannot have the audacity to act until we live the situation and its consequences in our minds. When we act, we only choose to manifest our thoughts into reality. However, as a general tendency, we act fast to bad thoughts and respond late to good thoughts. Good and bad are subjective, of course. But we always know what’s our ‘good’ and ‘bad’. It’s just that the latter carries such irresistible diabolic energy, that we fall for momentary gratification, closing our eyes to all the possible repercussions we already know of. We may deny, give a hundred reasons defending our actions, and can give numerous subjective opinions and arguments about it, but practically, we always choose.
One thing I have experienced and learned with time – easy choices are mostly bad choices. And yes, we can make bad choices. We must give ourselves the space and liberty to do so. But growth comes when we develop the ability to understand, and acknowledge those and, given a second chance, choose responsibly, guarding our values above everything else. Life throws at us many chances, and our choices also define our chances. At times, we may have no chance to choose, while at others we may choose not to take a chance. Whatever, you choose, whatever chances you have – keep it simple. Avoid complexities – in thoughts, words, emotions, and actions.
We do get affected by the choices of others around us. Particularly of those we tend to depend upon and expect from. Empathize with their choices. Doubt less and trust more. We may or may not be able to control the external factors to our liking but we can always culture our minds to remain unaffected in an unlikely situation. That’s the real test, isn’t it? And why control? Why depend on outer means for self-appeasement?
Ask yourself difficult questions, the right questions. Ask yourself ‘why’ often. Let go whenever necessary even if it’s not easy. It’s not meant to be easy. Tough choices do not always bring better chances but it definitely gives a clear conscience and nothing can ever beat that. Nothing better than aligning our Zahir and Batin.
Let this circle of choices and chances, of Zahir and Batin, the seen and the unseen, be pure, with clarity in thoughts and meaning in actions.
In Light and Gratitude,
Nazneen Kachwala
(This blog was originally published by nazneenkachwala.wordpress.com)
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